Writers' Opportunities, Courses & Events
Writers’ Workshops
Sherman Cymru run short courses, masterclasses and workshops throughout the year for emerging and experienced writers alike. These are designed to provide diverse opportunities for writers, to develop their craft and knowledge, each focused on a key area of writing.
Our most recent course, The Writer as Adaptor, was led by Shared Experience Co-artistic Director, Polly Teale.
We also collaborate with other companies and institutions to create theatre events. During 2008, these have included facilitating the Royal Court’s new writers’ initiative, 24º and hosting a Writers’ Guild forum on Political Theatre.
Script Study
(In collaboration with Living Pictures Productions)
Script Study allows professional writers, actors and directors to gather to analyse text hosted by a literary expert or director. Preparation for each session entails reading 3/4 plays linked thematically but straddling different eras. Scenes chosen for discussion are presented by actors and directors in order to illustrate the host’s ideas and viewpoint.
Past sessions’ hosts include writer and lecturer Steve Waters, lecturer and dramaturg Bill Hopkinson, and directors Ian Rickson and Katie Mitchell.
Specialist Workshops
When possible, members of the Creative Team lead specialist workshops for particular projects or other organisations.
During the autumn of 2008, members of The Literary Team held four days of workshops with asylum seekers, refugees and local authors. These workshops provided the basis for the pieces shown in the Community Engagement New Arrivals project.
Members of The Creative Team also provided script writing workshops during 2008, especially tailored for final-year students at Trinity College, Carmarthen.
Writers’ Events
ScriptSlam
This is a seasonal competitive event, where first-time writers have short pieces performed script-in-hand and assessed by leading theatre practitioners and the audience as part of an informal and upbeat evening.
For more information, go to ScriptSlam
Writers’ Nights
For each Sherman Cymru production there is a designated Writers’ Night for which writers on our database will be eligible for discounted tickets and a chance to chat informally about the play afterwards. When possible we will ally this to a wider discussion with a guest speaker.
For further information about our writing courses and events please contact Sian Summers, Literary Manager, or Branwen Davies, Literary Assistant.
Writers’ Courses Outside Sherman
Directors' Forum : The Six Senses of the Director
The Centre for Performance Research, Aberystwyth
9 - 11 April 2010
See conference details here
The Craft of Writing for Radio
In this 10-week course, award winning BBC writer Stephen Wyatt will guide you in exploring the essentials of the craft of writing for radio. You will learn all about professional radio drama, analyse radio plays in terms of characters voices, visual style, genre and structure, and be supported through the process of getting the beginnings of a script. The first weekly lesson will be available online on Monday 5 October 2009 and the course will finish in December 2009
More information and details on how to join
Or call Mark on 01273 735353
The Craft of Screenwriting
Our online courses, presented by New Writing South and University of Sussex, are suited for you to do anywhere and at any time of the day. They are fully accredited by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at the University of Sussex.
On this 20-week course, led by screenwriter, Julie Everton, will give you the opportunity to explore the essentials of the craft of screenplay writing. You will learn the professional skills required to write in and for the film industry and will be supported through the process of creating your own short screenplay. The first weekly lesson will be available online on Monday 5 October 2009 and the course will finish in April 2010.
For more information and detail on how to join
Or call Mark on 01273 735353
